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 Posted:   Jun 17, 2021 - 4:57 AM   
 By:   William R.   (Member)

This is one of my favorites from Isham. The unusual ensemble used for the suspense scenes (percussion, piano, electronics, and solo flute) really struck me when I first heard it, and got me interested in hearing more of his scores. The theme for Pesci's character is gently melancholic without any noir cliches. And no need to pit composers against each other, folks! (although it will be interesting to compare and contrast once the Goldsmith album arrives).

 
 Posted:   Jun 17, 2021 - 4:57 AM   
 By:   DavidCoscina   (Member)

I knew when the Goldsmith one turned up it would be hailed as the superior score. Away you all go…this has always been a terrific work by Mark and combines the jazzy feel with a dark melancholia. Perfect for the film and another belter from the sensational Mr Isham!

His Black Dhalia score is fabulous. And Point Break. This one, not as engaging for me. But I’m an Isham fan nonetheless.

 
 Posted:   Mar 15, 2022 - 9:42 PM   
 By:   rjc   (Member)

I'll nab (i.e. buy) big grin the Goldsmith soon enough, but Kev, due to your post (and those cues) I picked up the Isham recently and am loving it, so thanks to you!

That theme in "The Great Bernzini" is so evocative and nicely developed. As a listener, it can be frustrating when a composer has a great melody that's underutilized, but not here thankfully.

 
 
 Posted:   Mar 16, 2022 - 4:10 AM   
 By:   Hurdy Gurdy   (Member)

You're welcome, rjc.
Glad you're enjoying it.
There's a wealth of great Isham, from the 80's and 90's, ripe for exploration.
I love his 'nostalgic melancholia' vibe that can be heard in scores such as BILLY BATHGATE, A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT, OF MICE AND MEN, THE BROWNING VERSION, NELL, OCTOBER SKY and THE MAJESTIC.
He has worn a lot of hats over these past decades, proving his class and versatility in a myriad of genres and styles, all the while maintaining that distinctive Isham sound.
He's probably one of THE most underrated film composers of the past 30 years.

 
 Posted:   Mar 16, 2022 - 5:35 AM   
 By:   spook   (Member)

You're welcome, rjc.
Glad you're enjoying it.
There's a wealth of great Isham, from the 80's and 90's, ripe for exploration.
I love his 'nostalgic melancholia' vibe that can be heard in scores such as BILLY BATHGATE, A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT, OF MICE AND MEN, THE BROWNING VERSION, NELL, OCTOBER SKY and THE MAJESTIC.
He has worn a lot of hats over these past decades, proving his class and versatility in a myriad of genres and styles, all the while maintaining that distinctive Isham sound.
He's probably one of THE most underrated film composers of the past 30 years.


I think we should have some kind of plaque made from this post.
Good on you Kev!

 
 Posted:   Mar 16, 2022 - 1:49 PM   
 By:   Coco314   (Member)

I don't have a lot of Isham scores in my collection (certainly less  than the number of fingers on my hand), but this is my favorite and a great score. 
The movie is also very good and was pretty much ignored upon release. Joe Pesci's performance was a welcome change of his "Lethal Weapon"/"Home Alone" gigs.

Isham really nailed the ambiance and character on this one, with a great use of small ensemble.
And since well, it has to be said, as a Goldsmith fan myself, I agree with Howard Franklin's decision to use Isham score on this one, although I am thrilled to have discovered a "lost" Goldsmith score. 
For one thing, I hope it brings back to the limelight this excellent score that deserved to be discovered by those who have not yet heard it (it's on streaming platforms)

 
 Posted:   Mar 16, 2022 - 10:37 PM   
 By:   rjc   (Member)

I think we should have some kind of plaque made from this post.
Good on you Kev!


I agree. big grin

I've watched a lot of the movies Isham has scored and have a handful of his albums (I agree Kev, THE MAJESTIC is very nice), but he's kind of slipped under my radar over the years, for whatever reason. I recently really enjoyed his score (with Craig Harris) to JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH, but until today...I'd forgotten he'd composed it!

 
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